Sunday, October 3, 2010

"King Caucus"

In the past, it had been common for candidates for office to be nominated either by state legislatures or by "King Caucus" - a closed door-door meeting of a political party's leaders in congress. The common people had no opportunity to participate. In the 1830's , however, caucuses were replaced by nominating conventions. Party politicians and voters would gather in a large meeting hall to nominate the party's candidates . The Anti-Masons were the first to hold such a nominating convention. This method was more open to popular participation , hence more democratic.